Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1887-04-05
Extract from letter of prominent attorney
at law1
T-StoS W Va +,

Union ". VA. Jan. IS. 1887.
May take the liberty to say few words to
Won ancnt the Senatorial fight?
In Monroe, l am satisfied that l voice the
sentiment of nearly every Democrat i'll the
county when I say that we prefer any other
Democrat III the State to johnson v. Camden.
] do not think there is Democrat in this couu-
ty. except some Federal appointees, who de-
sircS him.
4 caucus, with its secret ballot, and its sus-
ceptibility to corrupting influences. is radically
opposed to the genius of Democracy. 1t is an
innovation of professional politicians. and de-
serves to be repudiated by every disintcrcsted
Democrat in the State. If can a. discern the
eigns of the times" would wager anything 1
possess of value. that if johnson n. Camden is
the next U. s. Senator from w. Va. then the
successors of Kenna and Gov Wilson will be
Republicans The people are not altogether
so asninc our representatives seem to imag-
inc and they will demand n change. because
you will have forfeited your right to honors.-
Do not say that you are helpless to prevent
this; You can by your EXAMPLE and influence
keep out of this caucus enough men to change
the whole programme of the Camden-kenna
unholy alliance The people of the Democratic
party are ripe for revolt. and yOur large cXpc-
rience and Information must so show YOU
Your own county does not desire you to g0lnto
caucus-thc very decided majority of the DEM
ocratS of this State do not desire a caucus. and
assert thai the paramount duty of repre-
sentative is to his people and not to his party.
You know have been Lucas man for sew
cral years. l regard you as one of the best
types of Democracy. and would be extremely
sorry to find myself opposed to You i'll the flu
ture but am in the revolt when it comes. and
the men who could save lis. and save our State
from the unholy alliance" will go und0r when
we come. This is a time for heroic treatment.
and the one who has nerve to be the one to
apply this heroic remedy will find that the peo-
pie are grateful.
Do YOU think by yielding now you will gain
in the future? Lay not that hattering unc-
ton to your soul" for the man who puts his
dependence upon the faith of the Camden
Kcnna coalition. only needs long ears to make
him a vcritablc ass. If we can not safely OPP
nose them now, what can we do when the fur
ther judiciOus use of Federal patronage has
given them additional strength We must
whip them now. Do not go into caucus. and
keep from it all yon can. You will be best
serving. your constituents. and best serving
those Of the delegates who have sold the heri-
tage of their people for n mess of very ordinary
pottage.
You are the only man in the Legislature with
ability and courage to successfully manage
this and Won can not escape the responsibility
of Il failure to attempt n righteous action. Do
not Imagine you can intcrposc the plea of ''timc
honored custom" to defend Your going into
caucus. The duty of a Legislator. as before
remarked Is to his constituents. not to his
party. You can not. yOu will not find this plea
accepted. YOu will 20 to trial upon the merits.
and if you found guilty of permitting a
wrong YOU could and ought to have prevented,
it will fare hard with you.
| am led to write this, because / sec in the
Re7ister what purpOrts to be the purpOrt of a
declaration from yourself. that you will go
into caucus - and another paper gives a
reason, that you are looking for honOrs ut the
hands of the Democracy in the near future.
have az you know. u profound admiration
for YOU as q representative Democrat. but car
not follow where think you wrong. and an
only one of very large number to whose fina
arbitramcnt this matter will come.
With much respect, -- ----